Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/1/19

Published

6 years ago

on

Good morning, Mane Landers. It was definitely a mixed bag of emotions over the weekend. While Orlando City was officially eliminated from the playoff chase, all three Orlando teams did earn at least a point. And as Dave Rohe pointed out yesterday, that’s the first time that’s happened in over two years. Although, now that I think about it, that’s a pretty depressing statistic. Best not to dwell on it, and move on to the links.

Michel’s Growth

Rookie Homegrown forward Benji Michel has had a promising season, notching his fourth goal of the season on Sunday and each of them has been important. He scored the winning goal against Columbus, tied Sunday’s match up in stoppage time, and his other two goals came in draws and gave Orlando a lead at the time. Benji’s growth in 2019 was part of ProSoccerUSA.com’s “three things we learned” piece from Sunday’s draw at Cincinnati.

“When you look at Benji, look at his development throughout the course of the season, that’s a major plus for us,” O’Connor said. “His ability to get some goals and his ability to drive at people, he’s someone we’re very pleased with his development.”

Harris Recognized

Ashlyn Harris has been nominated for the latest edition of the NWSL Save of the Week. In the 95th minute of the Pride’s road match against Sky Blue FC, Harris was faced with an oncoming Elizabeth Eddy in a 1-v-1 situation. Sky Blue had already scored a late goal through Carli Lloyd to draw level with the Pride and an Eddy goal would surely have seen Sky Blue take all three points. But, Harris made herself big, got something on the shot, and did well to keep her composure after sustaining contact. Though she ultimately spilled the ball the whistle had blown for a foul on Eddy. The save was instrumental to the point on the road and a well-deserved nomination.

SeaWolves Schedule Released

The 2019-2020 MASL schedule has been announced, and that means that the Orlando SeaWolves’ schedule has been announced as well. Orlando will host the Florida Tropics at home on Nov. 22 to kick off the new season, and will play its neighbors from Lakeland two more times at the start of the season and six times overall in 2019-2020. Another highlight is the visit from the San Diego Sockers, the team that Landon Donovan played for last season. A tough stretch to keep an eye on will be during the tail end of the season in February and March, with seven of the team’s last 13 games being road contests.

New Bundesliga Broadcast Home

The Bundesliga will be heading to a new home for its broadcasts starting next season, with the announcement that ESPN+ will be the new home of the German top flight when a multi-year deal begins in 2020. ESPN+ will show more than 300 top-flight games, the DFL Supercup, and relegation playoff matches. The deal represents a big gain for ESPN+, as a number of bright young American players are currently playing in the Bundesliga, resulting in American interest in the league beginning to grow. The deal will also include highlights and games being shown across the variety of ESPN networks, online, and the ESPN app.

Boca Chief Talks Up Zlatan Move

Boca Juniors board member Jorge Anro is claiming that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is interested in a move to the Argentine giants. After Ibrahimovic’s agent shut down rumors that he was trying to arrange a transfer for the big Swede, Anro doubled down and said that not only was Zlatan interested, but a deal was still possible. Boca already managed to recently bring in Daniele de Rossi on a free transfer, and if Ibrahimovic were to come to La Bombonera following the conclusion of the MLS season it would represent another big acquisition for Boca. Not to mention it would mean that Zlatan would stop tormenting Orlando City and the rest of MLS. Only time will tell.

Free Kicks

  • Nani weighs in on missing the playoffs and Orlando’s final game of 2019 this Sunday.

That’ll do it for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/30/25

Orlando City players called up, Orlando Pride sign Simone Jackson, USWNT gets ready to play China, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

May 30, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a brutal week, but we’ve made it through. Our reward is an exciting weekend of soccer to enjoy to close out the month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Lions Called Up For International Duty

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was predictably called up for Peru’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Peru is ninth in the standings and will take on Colombia June 6 before hosting Ecuador on June 10.

Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenian for a pair of friendlies against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These matches will help prepare Slovenia for World Cup qualifying this fall against Sweden, Switzerland, and Kosovo.

A few Young Lions are also heading to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. The U.S. will represent Concacaf at the U-18 tournament, and OCB players Justin Ellis, Colin Guske, and Jackson Platts were called up for it.

Orlando Pride Sign Simone Jackson

The Orlando Pride signed forward Simone Jackson to a contract through the 2028 season. Jackson played at the University of Southern California for four years, recording 22 goals and 13 assists in 75 games, and trained with the Pride during the preseason. Internationally, she’s represented the U.S. at various youth levels and scored a goal in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 22-year-old gives Orlando some helpful depth up front and can develop her game learning from some of the best attackers in the sport as well.

USWNT Prepares For Friendly Against China

The United States Women’s National Team will take on China Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in the first of two friendlies during this international window. Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to join a young roster as the team builds a foundation before the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Goalkeeper will continue to be a position to watch, as opportunity knocks for Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Mandy McGlynn, and Claudia Dickey to stake a claim as the team’s starter. Following this match, the USWNT will take on Jamaica in St. Louis on Tuesday before a pair of friendlies against Ireland later in June.

Denver’s NWSL Team Hires First General Manager

Denver’s NWSL team hired Curt Johnson to serve as the club’s first general manager. He will have the opportunity to build the team’s roster and staff from the ground up before the team takes the field as an expansion side in 2026. Johnson left the North Carolina Courage in December and was the chief soccer officer when the club dominated the league in 2018 and 2019. It looks like a solid hire in my opinion and I’m interested to see what kind of team he puts together in Denver.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/29/25

Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

May 29, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Falls in Atlanta

The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.

MLS All-Star Voting Begins

The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.

Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery

Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.

Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League

Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.

Free Kicks

  • Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
  • Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.

That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/28/25

Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

May 28, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads North

Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.

Banda and Sams Recognized

A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.

Orlando Pride Power

The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.

Freeman and the USMNT

It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?

Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending